The PowerPoint presentation given by Bishop Dennis Drainville at the opening of the Synod November 26th 2015 in Quebec City

1. MustWe Continue to Change?
The short answer is: yes! But not exactly in the same way or for the same reasons.

2. Ten years of Change
“Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19

3. Charge to Synod 2015
▪ My charge to this synod calls upon you all, lay and clerical members, guests and observers, to
review and to reflect, to aspire and to dream.
▪ Let us begin by reviewing and reflecting upon our journey as Anglicans within the Diocese of
Quebec over the past ten years. Why 10 years? Because June 2016 will mark 10 years since I
began to serve in administrative leadership for this diocese, though not then of course, as
bishop. 2006 is also a convenient bench mark as that was the last census which provided in-
depth data for analysis which helps us understand the demographics of our communities.
▪ Only by reviewing the journey we have travelled together, remembering in particular from
where we set out, can we perceive why our discernment directed us to the paths we have
taken.
▪ We have encountered along the way, as did 17th
c. Christian author John Bunyan, our share
of obstacles. But we have kept the faith and arrived at the equivalent of a mountain pass:
hard work behind us, hard work ahead, but oh, the glory of what God has still in store for us!
Nothing less than fulfilling our baptismal ministry as together we work to realize the will of
God on earth, to perceive the Promised Land in our communities, from Kawawa to the
Magdalen Islands, from the Lower North Shore to the Townships and Quebec, French,
Naskapi and English speakers, first nations and new Canadians. Together we are called by
God to pray deeply and act faithfully at this time when the groans of Creation are audible.
▪ .

4. Where We Set Out: A look at 2006
 Serious decline in Quebec’s rural populations
 Many churches, few in attendance
 A perilous financial picture, including heavy debt load
 Outdated administrative and financial protocols
 Structures of Ministry non-reflective of our realities
 More stipendiary clergy than parishes could pay for
 Lay leadership needing to be raised up, trained and provided ongoing support

5. Declining Rural Populations
The Diocese of Quebec is largely rural in character. Its many towns and villages, even its larger centres,
have long been based on natural resource economies: cod, trees, copper, asbestos, agriculture.
Most of these natural resource-based industries collapsed between 1990 and 2000. The impacts for
spin-off sectors of the economy, from retail to restaurants continued to be felt for the following decade.
Rural depopulation, experienced world-wide since post WWII, accelerated in such vulnerable areas as
ours.
Flight to the west by many job seeking young families meant sharp drops in student bodies, volunteer
organizations and communities of faith.
Throughout our diocese, again, as in most rural areas, schools have closed, volunteer capacity has
weakened and churches have shut down.
These rural realities have affected both francophone and anglophone communities within the regions of
Quebec, as elsewhere in Canada and the rest of the world.

6. Declining Rural Populations (Continued)
 As a minority group within Quebec, the anglophone populations have been especially
vulnerable.
Between 1996 and 2001, a 20-percent loss occurred in the combined anglophone
populations of Québec City (9,745 persons), the Gaspé (1,800 persons) and Trois-
Rivières (1,430 persons). Declines to these communities were largely attributable to
movement from that region to other parts of the province as well as to other parts of
the country. The anglophone population of Sherbrooke (8,015) also fell by 10 percent.
Report of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
The Anglican Church, historically rooted in English-speaking communities, has been
hard hit by these significant demographic shifts.
 In 2006 our diocesan churches numbered 88. Now 64 churches remain open, with
another two in process of closing.

7. Ageing Populations
Youth exodus means that our rural areas have an older average age, a lower average
revenue and higher rates of social indicators for health problems.
As a senior member of Quebec’s Public Health Agency stated a few years ago:
Rural people, especially English-speakers in the Gaspe – Magdalen Islands, have more
health problems, have a harder time accessing specialized health care, and fewer
financial resources to assist them, than do any other Quebecers. Dr. France Forest
 In other words: Many of the people we serve are elderly, deal with both health and
financial challenges and find themselves lonely amidst their needs.
We are called to think hard about what this means for our ministries and to take
effective action to follow Jesus’s example in caring for the old, the weak, the poor and
the sick.
For detailed information on the demographic portraits briefly referred to here , we can put
you in contact with the Community Health and Social Services Network in Quebec whose
reports are prepared by analysts using Statistics Canada information. We expect more
precise information to be available following the next census.

8. Structures of Ministry No Longer Reflect our Realities
 The structure of ministry that we were raised with was based on “the local parish, ” with one ordained priest serving
one community, and sometimes more in what were then outlying areas reached by gravel roads. In these ‘ old days’
(1950s to ‘60’s) and before, people were culturally and socially inclined to be members of the church and they
generally attended the church which was closest to them geographically.
 In the last 50 years societal changes like rural depopulation, two working parents, different employment patterns
and a communications revolution have had a huge affect on local communities.
 Now families are defined differently. People are more mobile. It is more likely that individuals will over their working
lives move into several different jobs, taking further education and retraining as necessary. To put it simply: we no
longer live in communities where the old structures of society or of ministry work.
 “Do not pour new wine into old wineskins”. Have we not heard that somewhere before ?
 What is the shape of these new wineskins Jesus would have us fashion? It is the answer to this question that we have
prayed and still pray deeply about. We have sent you way more questionnaires and surveys than you likely wanted
to see, held way more conference calls than you likely wanted to participate in, and explored new ways that I realize
some of you do not care for.
 Our discernment process has led us to work with parishioners and clergy in their various regions to develop patterns
best suited to the needs, the strengths and the particular character of each area. In this way, we have been moving
from the traditional ‘cookie cutter’ approach to a shape better reflective of local realities. ‘
 In this way, Ministry is moving from being parish-based to regional in orientation and practice. And those who take
leadership in ministry are often Lay Leaders or Non-Stipendiary Clergy.
 This has meant a far greater need to recruit, train and deploy individuals to take leadership in the communities in
which they live. This is as exciting as it can be daunting for all involved!

9. Wanted! Labourers in the Vineyard of the Lord
One of the greatest challenges has been to explain to people in small vulnerable
parishes that we can no longer support stipendiary ministry in areas where there are
little or no financial resources. This challenge to find new ways to do ministry
according to our capacity to pay has been a hard and demanding process. But we have
seen some success and we believe, given time, we will succeed in transforming how we
do God’s work.
We are in great need of ministers lay and ordained. In 2006 we had 20 stipendiary
clerics and 20 non-stipendiary clerics. At the present we have 8 stipendiary clerics and
14 non-stipendiary clerics. The problem is we have regions that have almost no clergy,
stipendiary or non-stipendiary.
It used to be when I was a boy that the minister spoke to individuals who he thought
might be interested in ordained ministry. Now it is up to the communities themselves
to pray regularly for guidance on this so that potential candidates are raised up and
given the support to come forward. Some communities have taken this challenge on.
Those who have not, will find that without individuals making a commitment to lead
worship or lead in the building of community, that church community will falter. We
must all be prepared to do those things we never thought we would or could.
Example of prayer process leading to approach to Rev. Doug Johnson.

10. The Perilous Financial Situation Moving to Resolution
 As many of you know, but it bears repeating, the decline of rural populations, especially of the English-speaking
population, has meant the weakening of many of our parish communities. We now have about four thousand
Anglicans spread across our vast diocese.
 Many dioceses within the Anglican Church of Canada, especially those based in urban and suburban areas, derive
90% of their revenue from the people in the pew. Almost all fund diocesan operations with revenues that come
from the parish Fair Share remittances.
 This is not the situation for our diocese, with just 4,000 people in our pews.
 The challenge: how to provide ministry not only in the present, but for the future needs of the faithful, the
communities in which we live and for the mission we are called to not only at home, but in the world?
 It became clear to us that if we did not change, our institutional closure would be imminent. Unlike the image in one
of our favoured hymns, our foundation was far from firm!
 In 2008, much prayer and a consultative strategic planning process led us to decide to liquidate assets and build up
our investments. This path is providing the necessary means to continue with God’s mission to our diocese.
 That decision has brought us a long way toward solving our funding problems. But it is a two edged sword. When the
market is doing well, we do well. When the market experiences problems, so do we. However, it is important to point
out that even when markets have failed spectacularly world-wide, the Diocesan Investment Committee has kept us
well above the high-water line and maintained better than average returns.
 Our expectation is that in 2016-2017 we will have increased our investments over 100% from those held in 2006. It is
our view that with a continuation of prudent administration, keeping expenses down and the constant and careful
management of our investments, which has been the norm throughout this period, we will again operate on budget.

11. A Scriptural, Careful and Prudent Transition to Ethical
Investing
Some aspects of the Governance of the Diocese of Québec differ from that of other dioceses in Canada
because of our early establishment. In this Diocese, responsibility for investments rests within the mandate
of the Church Society of the Diocese of Québec. Church Society exercises this part of its role through an
Investment Committee of financial professionals who volunteer their time and expertise. We have been
blessed with a hard-working and extremely successful committee.
Following the direction of motions passed at the annual general meeting of Church Society, the Investment
Committee began four years ago to divest from its mining holdings, given the serious ethical concerns raised
around environmental and human rights issues.
In 2014 a motion passed at the Church Society called on the Investment Committee to review its fossil fuel
holdings and report back to Church Society.
During that year, extensive documentation on the impacts of fossil fuel exploration, extraction,
transformation and transportation were forwarded to the chair of the Investment Committee and the
Diocesan Executive Council. Documents collected came from such diverse sources as the International
Monetary Fund, the World Bank, Governor of the Bank of England, World Council of Churches, The Anglican
Consultative Communion and the writings of Pope Francis. (This is but a small sampling of the total research
made available from international and national environmental, financial and church bodies.)

12. Ethical Investing (Continued)
 At Church Society's annual general meeting of 2015, as President of the Church Society and as Diocesan
Bishop I issued a letter in follow up to the various motions, review of holdings and research. This letter was
published in the Diocesan Gazette and is available on our website.
 On 23 September 2015, the Investment Committee was pleased to report that divestment from fossil fuels
and mineral extraction was almost complete.
 On 23 November 2015, the Investment Committee was able to provide the details of the divestment
process.
 Over the past 4 years, $525,000 dollars in gold and copper mining operations have been divested.
 Over the past 2 years, $1.4 million dollars in oil and gas have been divested.
 $320,000 remain in fossil fuels as that financial instrument has not reached maturity. By year end, the
committee expects to be 100% divested from fossil fuels
 I am deeply grateful for the collaboration and advice from our treasurer and the members of the
Investment Committee. You have ensured this Diocese is responding to the scriptural imperative to care
for creation and to act in unity with those vulnerable populations who are being disproportionately
affected by Climate Crisis and the economic activities fueling it.

13. Financial Situation:
Synod and Church Society
Synod & Church Society Operating
Losses
Synod and Church Society Liabilities

14. could happen.

15. Working to make the Church
a Reality
Whether it’s a meeting of the ACW Executive at
Bishopthorpe, or aTask Force on Restructuring
Ministry in St. Francis Deanery or a gathering of
the Diocesan Executive Committee or the
opening of a new supportive housing unit in
Sept Iles; the Church is manifest throughout this
vast territory.

16. Communal Life
The measure of who we are is not found in what
we say but rather how we live. Community is not
just a description it is an experience.
When we live in a relationship with Jesus our
priorities and our way of engaging life is different
from the way that many live.
Wherever Anglicans live in this extensive diocese,
they confront the social reality where they are.
They become the means by which Jesus
becomes manifest.They show forth the love and
understanding that we experience in Christ.

17. A Pilgrimage From the Townships Parishioners & neighbours share

18. Fellowship in the Church International

19. Receiving Guests From Across Canada and Around the World

20. Bravo Ministries Burundi
For many years the congregation of the Cathedral
of the HolyTrinity has supported the dedicated and
dangerous work of Alyson Blair.
Alyson has worked with child soldiers and with
women at risk in the community.
They produce clothes, purses, wallets and other
cloth goods which are sold to the public to support
the individuals as well as the ongoing ministry.
In the last few years Alyson’s ministry has been
taken up by others in the Diocese of Quebec.

21. Aslan Camp Zimbabwe
For many years Chris Hingley was the Head
of Petra Schools.
Since his retirement as Head two years ago
he has continued to fund-raise for the school
and in particular for the programme called
Aslan Camps.
Aslan Camps is place where children of
diverse backgrounds can experience
community and grow in faith

22. Working Together: Quebec and the Philippines, Wales and First Nations

23. Ministering to the Church Beyond Our Borders

24. Partners: Moray Ross and Caithness and Quebec

25. Le Ministère des
Francophones
Centrale à notre sens de ce que cela signifie d'être
l'Église anglicane au Québec est l'importance de
notre relation à la communauté francophone.
La création du doyenné de St Laurent était en
reconnaissance du fait que le ministère par et pour
les francophones est essentielle à la vie de notre
communauté

26. La présence visible de
l’Église
Que ce soit l'étude des Ecritures,
prié ensemble, d'aller en retraite ou
de manger ensemble comme une
famille, les anglicans francophones
recherchent des opportunités de
faire partie de la grande
communauté de l’Église.

27. Valuing Our Relationship With Indigenous People

28. Community Life in Kawawachikimach

29. The Importance of Ecumenical
Relations
Throughout the Diocese we work in partnership
with the other Christian Churches.
Since Jacob Mountain arrived and was greeted at
the quay by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Quebec,
the fraternal relationship between us has
continued.

30. The Presbyterian Church The United Church of Canada

31. To Follow Jesus is to Follow the Poor
Just as Jesus questioned the authorities of his day, so
must we be ready to advocate peace and justice.

32. Where are the young people?
Ten years ago when I began travelling through the diocese, people were
lamenting the lack of young people in the pews. There was reason to lament as
there were almost no young people in the churches I went to visit.
But that is not the situation now!We have ministry to young people happening
throughout the diocese. So, why is it different now?
One of the differences is that our church communities are now funding work
among children and young adults. Another difference is that we are willing to go
out to where young people are gathering, rather than expecting that they will
walk through the door.
We have also learned one basic fact.Young people will not be active members of
the Church until room is made for them and their opinions are seen as
important. In other words, we must change how we are church.

33. The Neuville Experience

34. The Story of Noah
Young People from the Anglican churches
in Quebec spent five days at an artistic
religious community in Neuville near
Quebec City in the summer of 2014.
Within a context of community life, prayer
and creative opportunities they helped to
produce a new rendering of the Noah story.
It was later produced for the Cathedral
Community.

35. A Summer of Artistic Expression
In the Fall of 2014 Aidan Strange was hired for one
year to work with young people in the Eastern
Townships and Quebec in artistic and musical
projects.
In the EasternTownships several small productions
were mounted including a stage rendering ofThe
Little Prince.
In Quebec, rehearsals began in June on several
theatrical pieces including Scots on the Rocks a
zany comedic reworking of Shakespeare’s
Macbeth and The Selfish Giant which brought
OscarWilde’s wonderful children’s story to life.
The summer provided a focused opportunity for
showcasing the significant talent of our young
people.

37. Anglican Church
Women
I have often said, how vital a role the ACW
has played in this diocese. If it were not for
their hard work and devotion many more
of our parish communities would be closed.

38. The ACW Annual Wreath Making in theTownships

39. The Servants of the Servants

42. The Gaspe Region

43. What do you feed monks in Gaspe? Lobster of course!

44. Anglicans in Gaspe working in the Community, Garden Project Entry Island

45. Ordination of Nick Forte in New Carlisle and Chaleur Bay and
photos of a lunch in Shigawake and a Quiet Day

46. The Eastern Townships Region

47. AVibrant Community
The opportunity for evangelization is great.
Thousands of English-speaking Quebecers still
live in the EasternTownship.
The Church is busy providing ministry to both
the aged and the young: Meals for University
Students, Messy Church,The Doctor Who Club
andVolunteering at the Drummondville
Penitentiary are just a few of the active
ministries.
Seniors are visited in their own homes as well
as the Wales and Connaught Senior
Residences.

48. Communal Experiences: Sadness and joy

49. Kids are engaged and have fun at St John’s Waterville!

50. The Graduating Class of EFM: Education For Ministry

51. Finally! We’re Launched! Subdued, But Happy the Court Found
In Our Favour
Ten years of hard slogging. But here we
are and the new Quebec Lodge is
moving forward thanks to the efforts of
many people.
The donors have been generous and
patient.
We are all looking forward to this new
project which will help to educate and
support young people in our community.

52. Quebec Lodge Rises Again!

53. The Lower North Shore Region

54. The Lower North Shore
To be the Church on the Lower North Shore calls
for courage and creativity.Transportation
challenges and limited Government Services
mean everyone has to work together. And they
do!
The Church has survived many challenges. Now
lay people are increasingly taking on many of the
roles that were considered to be the domain of
the clergy.That leadership is transforming the
Church

55. Bay

56. Fleet Blessing H H, Funeral at Mutton Bay, Communion at St Augustine & St Paul’s River

57. The Quebec Region

58. Young People From the Cathedral Volunteering at the Morrin Centre

59. Advent Service, Turkey Dinner, Palm Sunday and Parish BBQ

60. The Cathedral and St. Michael’s Joint Confirmation Class

61. Life at St Michael’s
Diversity is the word that springs most quickly to
one who speaks about St Michael’s in Sillery.
This small community is a vibrant place where
people from Europe, Africa, the US and many parts
of Canada gather for spiritual nourishment.
Some Sundays there are as many children as there
are adults.
Their gift is being a place where everyone is
welcome, accepted and invited to participate fully.

62. Memorial of the Voltigeurs Moved to Church Youth Event and Singing at St. Brigid’s

63. Bishopthorpe:TheTransformation
FirstThere WereThe Renovations: Plumbing,
Electricals, Repairing, Restoring and Finishing
By 2008 Bishopthorpe required much
work. Cracked ceilings, nightmare
electrical panels and caved in 3rd
fl.
Dormers posed serious threats to the
safety of the building and its inhabitants.
Grants from the Prov. Govt. Patrimoine
Religiieux made possible major work
which eventually began in 2009 and was
finished in September of 2010.We moved
into Bishopthorpe in October.

64. I was homeless and you sheltered me
When we were planning the repair and restoration of Bishopthorpe we decided
because our family, at least the human part of it, numbers just four, that we would
designate the third floor as a place for short term use by people coming to Quebec for
medical appointments or procedures, as well as accompanying family.
This decision resulted inTheThird Floor Ministry, a practice of Pastoral Care that has
been deeply meaningful. Each individual room and the common areas were blessed in
Cree by Rev. Martha Spence. Working in conjunction with the minister responsible for
hospital visitation and often with the parish priest or minister back home, we have
cared for scores of individuals who are far from home. People have come to us from
every part of the diocese.
We have also provided housing for clergy who are here for meetings or are travelling
through to their parishes.
The Anglican ChurchWomen of the diocese have generously supported this ministry.

65. The Ministries of Bishopthorpe
Hospitality

66. Food Glorious Food: Everyone likes to eat.

67. Writers in Exile from around the world:
P.E.N. International, Quebec 2015.

68. All Saints Chapel Ministries
A decade ago, All Saints Chapel was without
electricity ( mice and squirrels had eaten the
wires) and the ceiling was literally falling
down. Once again, Patrimoine Religieux
funds allowed the diocese to undertake a
loving restoration. The re-dedicated space
has become a venue for an umbrella of
important community ministries.
Worship continues to play a central role,
including the daily Morning Office. Many of
the worship opportunities are ecumenical
and bilingual, with the chapel providing an
open door to many individuals that belong
to other churches, faith traditions and those
who profess no faith but are seeking.
The Chapel also serves as a space for
meetings.The Diocesan Executive
Committee and the Central Board of the
Church Society meet there.
This summer the Chapel was used by a group
of young thespians. But over the last two
years it has also served as: a concert hall, an
art gallery, rehearsal space for the choir, a
venue for young people’s activities and, of
course a place for meditation and quiet.

69. Details of the Windows in All Saints Chapel

70. The Cathedral Partners Project

71. Key Project Achievements
• Improvement of the Cathedral signage
and visual elements (posters, leaflets, flyers, roll
ups, street banners…)
• Creation of the King’s Gift Exhibit
(Inaugurated in June 2014 – Awarded with CPRQ
excellence award in November 2015)
• In-house production of professional
concerts (Midi en Musique & La petite série de Holy
Trinity)
• Creation of a Cathedral souvenir book in
French and English (Launched in June 2015 -
Awarded with CPRQ excellence award in November
2015)
• Establishment of long term partnerships
with (Crêperie du Pain Béni, Hôtel Clarendon…)
• Best practices mission to Europe
o Meetings with business directors of
Anglican/Presbyterian institutions with well-
functioning tourism/culture programmes
o Presentation of “The three emblematic
churches of Old Quebec” to the 1st UNWTO
conference on Religious Heritage &Tourism in
Elche, Spain

72. A Sampling of the Concerts Presented at the Cathedral

73. The Concerts have brought in many hundreds of people who have
never visited the Cathedral before

74. Green Ministries: Caring for Creation as Ministry
▪ Our Green Ministries work reminds us that one of our Marks of Mission is to Protect
the Integrity of Creation. Rev. Cynthia Patterson represents the diocese on the
national church Creation Matters Working Group which in turn links with the Anglican
Communion Environmental Network. The diocese is also represented on Eglises
Vertes, an ecumenical, bilingual network. Green Ministries shares information on
climate change, divestment from fossil fuels, investment in a transitional economy,
water facts, community gardening, etc. We are pleased to provide relevant worship
resources on request. Green initiatives are taking place in many parts of the diocese:
bees & gardens on the Maggies, gardens & farm visits in the townships, etc. Please
send your news and your photos to Rev. Patterson.

75. Greening the Cathedral Close
Green Ministries, in collaboration with the
Diocese and the Cathedral, has just completed
its third year of community gardens. The initial
work was funded by aT.D. Environmental
Foundation Grant. Money is also raised through
calendar and card sales and donations from local
businesses who value the work. Partners who
garden with us include our secular neighbors, Le
Comite des Citoyens du Quartier, and Maison
Charlotte (women’s section of the Salvation
Army).

76. HarvestThanksgiving

77. For some people happiness is holding a chicken!

78. Green Ministries on Entry Island

79. Every Community Needs a
Donkey
One of the most unexpected elements of my episcopal
ministry has been getting to know Aldo the donkey. I
freely admit at the beginning I had many doubts. But
as time went on I realized that Aldo brought more
people into the Cathedral close than I did. I also began
to understand how we all need the presence of
animals to remind us of what living in the world is all
about. It is very easy, when one lives in a city to forget
that we are part of Creation.
I now see that Aldo has a ministry that is very
important for the whole community. Aldo is able to
communicate with: street people, restaurant workers,
emotionally disabled people, people with impaired
eyesight, the elderly, school children, the lonely,
people who experience abuse of whatever kind. In fact
he even enjoys the company of people who attend
church!

82. Aldo a Friend to all Even Presbyterian Chickens!

83. Final Words. Well almost…

84. Pass not Impasse
And so my sisters and brothers, we arrive at that mountain pass I spoke of at the
outset.
No mistake about it, my friends, as a result of abundant prayer and hard work we
have moved from a many-layered impasse to a pass from which we may look with
faith-filled confidence. The journey to the Kingdom is ongoing and much remains to
get through, but we can see God’s ‘New things’ all about us, we can hear a New Song
in the wind.
 We have not journeyed without wounds, both personal and corporate. More times
than I wish to remember I have had to herd people over rocks they did not wish to
climb and ford rivers they have not wished to cross. My prayerful hope is that the
endurance we have all expended over the past 10 years may go some way to preparing
fruitful soil for the bishop coadjutor whom you will elect tomorrow as you continue to
build the kingdom with him.

85. The End